My Ex’s New Partner Is Acting Like a Co-Parent — Do I Have Any Say? Artwork

Love Court Off the Record

In the podcast, Love Court Off The Record, we look at specific legal questions regarding all family law matters. From child custody to child support to divorce. We also take a humorous look at divorce. It does make people go crazy!!

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Love Court Off the Record

My Ex’s New Partner Is Acting Like a Co-Parent — Do I Have Any Say?

June 22, 2026 • Anderson Keuscher Brachmann

0:00 | 2:22

“My ex has a new girlfriend, and now she’s the one picking up my kids from school, taking them to activities, and even messaging me about schedules. I didn’t agree to co-parent with her. Do I have any right to say she can’t be that involved, or do I just have to deal with it?"

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In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson addresses a common and emotionally charged co-parenting issue: a new romantic partner becoming heavily involved with the children. From school pickups and activities to communicating directly about schedules, the listener feels like they’re suddenly co-parenting with someone they never agreed to include.

Jessica explains what rights parents typically have when it comes to new partners around the children, where legal boundaries exist, and when courts may step in if a third party’s involvement becomes inappropriate or disruptive. She also discusses the reality that, during a parent’s custodial time, they generally have broad discretion about who helps care for the children—unless there are concerns involving the child’s safety, well-being, or violations of the parenting plan.